Multi-configuration pan for foundation system

ABSTRACT

A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, includes a pan to engage the ground surface and at least one bracket. The pan and brackets provide first, second, and third orientations. The first orientation includes one bracket mounted in a central area and oriented to receive two longitudinal struts couplable to a first beam and one lateral strut couplable to a second beam. The second orientation includes the central area being clear to receive a block pier and one bracket mounted longitudinally offset from the central area and oriented to receive one longitudinal strut couplable to the first beam and one lateral strut couplable to the second beam. The third orientation includes the central area for the block pier and two brackets mounted longitudinally on opposite sides of the central area and oriented to each receive one of two longitudinal struts couplable to the first beam.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a foundation system for supporting manufactured housing from a ground surface. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to a pan of a foundation system configured to receive at least one bracket in multiple orientations, and optionally configured to receive a block pier.

BACKGROUND

Manufactured buildings, including mobile homes, generally include longitudinal support beams situated underneath. The manufactured building is built upon these longitudinal support beams. These buildings are typically supported by a plurality piers or jacks positioned between a ground surface and the support beams for supporting the building. These piers and/or jacks, however, provide no stabilization against longitudinal forces and/or lateral forces that may be exerted on the building, for example, by weather events, such as strong winds or earthquakes.

Prior foundation systems may include a foundation pan for engaging the ground surface using spikes. Said foundation pans may include brackets welded or bolted thereto for coupling to longitudinal and/or lateral struts. The struts may then be coupled to select support beams of the manufactured building for stabilizing the building longitudinally and/or laterally. The struts may optionally be used to support the beams of the manufactured building above the ground surface as well.

These prior foundation systems are not readily customizable or alterable by a user during installation. Accordingly, the user must ensure that he or she selects the correct foundation system for a given project. For instance, a foundation system may be designed to receive a block pier, while others may not be configured to receive a block pier. Likewise, a foundation system may be designed to provide beam support, in addition to longitudinal and/or lateral stabilization, while others may only be configured to provide longitudinal and/or lateral stabilization.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure provides a foundation system including a pan which offers multiple installation configurations, namely, at least a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. Accordingly, a user may be able to alter select the proper configuration during installation.

One embodiment of a foundation system for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, as disclosed herein, comprises a plurality of like configured brackets and a pan configured to engage the ground surface. Each bracket of the plurality of like configured brackets may include a plurality of bracket mounting holes arranged in a bracket hole pattern. The pan may include a plurality of pan mounting holes arranged to correspond to multiple orientations of the bracket mounting holes of the brackets to provide at least a first orientation, a second orientation, and a third orientation. The first orientation may be associated with one bracket being mounted in a central area and oriented to receive two longitudinal struts extending in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam and one lateral strut extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam. The second orientation may be associated with the central area of the pan being clear to receive a block pier and one bracket being mounted longitudinally offset from the central area and oriented to receive one longitudinal strut for connecting the pan to the first beam and one lateral strut for connecting the pan to the second beam. The third orientation may be associated with the central area of the pan being clear to receive the block pier and two brackets being mounted longitudinally offset on opposite sides of the central area and oriented to each receive one of two longitudinal struts for connecting the pan to the first beam.

In one exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, each of the brackets may be a T-shaped bracket in plan view including an upwardly open long channel extending in a first direction and an upwardly open short channel extending at substantially a right angle from a mid-portion of the upwardly open long channel. In accordance with this embodiment, the bracket hole pattern includes two bracket mounting holes spaced apart in the first direction by a bracket hole spacing along a bottom of the upwardly open long channel.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the pan may be rectangular in plan shape and may include first and second edges extending in the longitudinal direction and third and fourth edges extending in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In accordance with this embodiment, the plurality of pan mounting holes may include a first pair of pan mounting holes, a second pair of pan mounting holes, and a third pair of pan mounting holes. The first pair of pan mounting holes may be configured for mounting one bracket in the first orientation. The first pair of pan mounting holes may be located within the central area and may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing. The second pair of pan mounting holes may be configured for mounting one bracket in the second orientation. The second pair of pan mounting holes may be located in one longitudinal direction outside of the central area. The second pair of pan mounting holes may be spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing. The third pair of pan mounting holes may be configured for mounting a second bracket in the third orientation, the third pair of pan mounting holes being located outside of the central area longitudinally opposite from the second pair of pan mounting holes, the third pair of pan mounting holes being spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the two longitudinal struts are connected to the long channel in the first orientation.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the one longitudinal strut is connected to the short channel and the one lateral strut is connected to the long channel in the second orientation.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the two longitudinal struts are each connected to the short channel of different ones of the two respective brackets in the third orientation.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth edges of the pan are downturned edges. The downturned edges may be configured to be driven downward into the ground surface to anchor the pan longitudinally and laterally relative to the ground surface. In accordance with this embodiment, in any of the first, second and third orientations the brackets may be bolted to the pan with bolts extending through aligned bracket mounting holes and pan mounting holes.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth edges of the pan are upturned edges.

Another embodiment of a foundation system for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, as disclosed herein, comprises at least one bracket and a pan configured to engage the ground surface. Each bracket of the at least one bracket may include a pair of bracket mounting holes. The pan may include first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes arranged to correspond to multiple configurations of the at least one bracket to provide at least a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The first configuration may be associated with the pair of bracket mounting holes of a first bracket of the at least one bracket being aligned with the first pair of pan mounting holes in a central area of the pan. The first bracket may be oriented to receive two longitudinal struts extending in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building and further to receive one lateral strut extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam of the manufactured building. The second configuration may be associated with the central area of the pan being clear to receive a block pier configured to extend upwardly to the first beam and the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket being aligned with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area. The first bracket may be oriented to receive one longitudinal strut for connecting the pan to the first beam and one lateral strut for connecting the pan to the second beam. The third configuration may be associated with the central area of the pan being clear to receive the block pier, the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket being aligned with the second pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area, and the pair of bracket mounting holes of a second bracket of the at least one bracket being aligned with the third pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes. The first and second brackets may be oriented to each receive one of two longitudinal struts for connecting the pan to the first beam.

In one exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the pan may be rectangular in plan shape and may include first and second edges extending in the longitudinal direction and third and fourth edges extending in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In accordance with this embodiment, the first pair of pan mounting holes may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction and equally spaced from the first and second edges. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the second pair of pan mounting holes may be oriented parallel to the lateral direction and positioned closer to third edge than to the fourth edge. Finally, in accordance with this embodiment, the third pair of pan mounting holes are oriented parallel to the lateral direction and positioned closer to the fourth edge than to the third edge.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth edges of the pan may be either downturned edges or upturned edges. The downturned edges may be configured to be driven downward into the ground surface to anchor the pan longitudinally and laterally relative to the ground surface. In accordance with this embodiment, in any of the first, second and third configurations the at least one bracket may be bolted to the pan with bolts extending through the pair of bracket mounting holes when aligned with one of the one of the first, second, or third pairs of pan mounting holes.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the at least one bracket may be a T-shaped bracket in plan view and may include an upwardly open long channel extending in a first direction and an upwardly open short channel extending at substantially a right angle from a mid-portion of the upwardly open long channel. The pair of bracket mounting holes of the at least one bracket may be spaced apart in the first direction by a bracket hole spacing along a bottom of the upwardly open long channel.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the first pair of pan mounting holes may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing. Likewise, the second pair of pan mounting holes may be spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing. Furthermore, the third pair of pan mounting holes may be spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, in the first configuration the two longitudinal struts may be connected to the upwardly open long channel of the first bracket.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, in the second configuration the one longitudinal strut may be connected to the upwardly open short channel of the first bracket and the one lateral strut may be connected to the upwardly open long channel of the first bracket.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, in the third configuration the two longitudinal struts may each be connected to the upwardly open short channel of different ones of the first and second brackets.

One embodiment of a foundation pan configured to receive at least one bracket including two bracket mounting holes and at least one strut for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, as disclosed herein, comprises a rectangular metal sheet, first, second, third, and fourth edges, a first pair of pan mounting holes, a second pair of pan mounting holes, and a third pair of pan mounting holes. The rectangular metal sheet may define a planar upper surface configured to support the at least one bracket. The first and second edges may be positioned perpendicularly to the planar upper surface and may extend in a longitudinal direction. The third and fourth edges may be positioned perpendicularly to the planar upper surface and may extend in a lateral direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first pair of pan mounting holes may be defined through the planar upper surface. The first pair of pan mounting holes may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction and may be equally spaced from the first and second edges. The second pair of pan mounting holes may be defined through the planar upper surface. The second pair of pan mounting holes may be oriented parallel to the lateral direction and may be positioned closer to third edge than to the fourth edge. The third pair of pan mounting holes may be defined through the planar upper surface. The third pair of pan mounting holes may be oriented parallel to the lateral direction and may be positioned closer to the fourth edge than to the third edge. The two bracket mounting holes of one bracket of the at least one bracket may be couplable to one pair of the first, second, or third pairs of pan mounting holes.

In one exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, each hole of the first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes may be spaced apart from the other hole of the first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes, respectively, by a common pan mounting hole distance.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the planar upper surface may include a central area configured to receive a block pier for supporting the manufactured building from the ground surface. The first pair of pan mounting holes may be located within the central area. Additionally, the second pair of pan mounting holes may be located longitudinally outside of the central area. Finally, the third pair of pan mounting holes may be located longitudinally outside of the central area opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment in combination with the at least one bracket and the at least one strut, an orientation may be defined wherein the pair of bracket mounting holes of a first bracket of the at least one bracket may be aligned with the first pair of pan mounting holes in a central area of the rectangular metal sheet. In accordance with this embodiment, the first bracket may be oriented to receive two longitudinal struts of the at least one strut for connecting the foundation pan to a first beam of the manufactured building and further to receive one lateral strut of the at least one strut for connecting the foundation pan to a second beam of the manufactured building.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment in combination with the at least one bracket and the at least one strut, an orientation may be defined wherein a central area of the rectangular metal sheet is clear to receive a block pier configured to extend upwardly towards a first beam of the manufactured building. In accordance with this embodiment, the pair of bracket mounting holes of a first bracket of the at least one bracket may be aligned with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area. The first bracket may be oriented to receive one longitudinal strut of the at least one strut for connecting the foundation pan to the first beam and one lateral strut of the at least one strut for connecting the foundation pan to a second beam of the manufactured building

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment in combination with the at least one bracket and the at least one strut, an orientation may be defined wherein a central area of the rectangular metal sheet may be clear to receive a block pier configured to extend upwardly towards a first beam of the manufactured building. In accordance with this embodiment, the pair of bracket mounting holes of a first bracket of the at least one bracket may be aligned with the second pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area, and the pair of bracket mounting holes of a second bracket of the at least one bracket may be aligned with the third pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes. The first and second brackets may be oriented to each receive one of two longitudinal struts of the at least one strut for connecting the foundation pan to the first beam.

One embodiment of a method of installing a foundation system for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, as disclosed herein, comprises: (a) providing at least one bracket, each bracket of the at least one bracket may include a pair of bracket mounting holes; (b) providing a pan configured to engage the ground surface, the pan may include first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes arranged to correspond to multiple orientations of the at least one bracket; and (c) aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of a first bracket of the at least one bracket with corresponding holes of one of the first, second, or third pairs of pan mounting holes; and (d) coupling the first bracket to the pan.

In one exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, step (c) may include aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket with the first pair of pan mounting holes in a central area of the pan. In accordance with this embodiment, the method may include coupling two longitudinal struts to the first bracket. The two longitudinal struts may extend in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building. The method may further include coupling one lateral strut to the first bracket. The one lateral strut may extend in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam of the manufactured building.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, step (c) may include aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from a central area of the pan. In accordance with this embodiment, the method may further include coupling one longitudinal strut to the first bracket. The one longitudinal strut may extend in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building. The method may further include coupling one lateral strut to the first bracket. The one lateral strut may extend in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam of the manufactured building. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the method may include receiving a block pier on the central area of the pan. The block pier may be configured to extend upwardly to the first beam.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, step (c) may include: aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket with the second pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from a central area of the pan; and aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of a second bracket of the at least one bracket with the third pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area of the pan opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes. In accordance with this embodiment, the method may include coupling a first longitudinal strut to the first bracket. The first longitudinal strut may extend in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building. The method may further include coupling a second longitudinal strut to the second bracket. The second longitudinal strut may extend in the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to the first beam. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the method may include receiving a block pier on the central area of the pan. The block pier may be configured to extend upwardly to the first beam.

In another exemplary aspect of the aforementioned embodiment, the method may further include positioning the pan on a ground surface with edges of the pan driven into the ground surface to anchor the pan longitudinally and laterally relative to the ground surface.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foundation system attached to the support beams of a manufactured building with a bracket in a first orientation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foundation system of FIG. 1 with the bracket in a second orientation.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the foundation system of FIG. 1 with the brackets in a third orientation.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of the foundation system of FIG. 3A with the block pier removed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pan of the foundation system of FIG. 1 with upturned edges.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pan of the foundation system of FIG. 1 with downturned edges.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bracket of the foundation system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the bracket of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of an upper end connector for connecting the longitudinal struts to a first beam of the manufactured building.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of an upper end connector for connecting the longitudinal struts to the first beam.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of an upper end connector for connecting the lateral struts to a second beam of the manufactured building.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of an upper end connector for connecting the lateral struts to the second beam.

FIG. 10A is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the pan of the foundation system of FIG. 1 with upturned edges installed on a ground surface with four angled spikes.

FIG. 10B is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the pan of the foundation system of FIG. 2 with upturned edges installed on a ground surface with four angled spikes.

FIG. 10C is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the pan of the foundation system of FIGS. 3A-3B with upturned edges installed on a ground surface with four angled spikes.

FIG. 11A is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the pan of the foundation system of FIG. 1 installed on a ground surface with downturned extending knife edges.

FIG. 11B is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the pan of the foundation system of FIG. 2 installed on a ground surface with downturned extending knife edges.

FIG. 11C is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the pan of the foundation system of FIGS. 3A-3B installed on a ground surface with downturned extending knife edges.

FIG. 12A is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the at least one mounting bracket of FIG. 1 installed on a concrete foundation with lag bolts.

FIG. 12B is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the at least one mounting bracket of FIG. 2 installed on a concrete foundation with lag bolts.

FIG. 12C is a schematic elevation cross-section view showing the at least one mounting bracket of FIGS. 3A-3B installed on a concrete foundation with lag bolts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.

The words “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “mounted”, “fastened”, and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3B, a foundation system 100 is shown. The foundation system 100 is configured for supporting a manufactured building (not shown) from a ground surface 102 (shown in FIGS. 10A-12C). The foundation system 100 may also be referred to herein as a multi-configuration foundation system 100. The foundation system 100 is couplable to at least one beam 10 of the manufactured building for supporting the manufactured building from the ground surface 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, the at least one beam 10 may include at least a first beam 10A and a second beam 10B. Each beam of at least one beam 10 of the manufactured building may be I-beams and may include a vertical portion 12, first and second upper flange portions 14A, 14B extending from opposite sides of an upper end of the vertical portion 12, and first and second lower flange portions 16A, 16B extending from opposite sides of a lower end of the vertical portion 12. The first and second upper flange portions 14A, 14B of each beam of the at least one beam 10 are configured to support the manufactured building.

The foundation system 100 may include a pan 110 configured to engage the ground surface 102. The pan 110 may also be referred to herein as a foundation pan 110. The pan 110 may be formed from a metal sheet 112 that defines a planar upper surface 114. The metal sheet 112 may also be referred to herein as sheet metal 112. The pan 110 may be rectangular in shape and have four corners 116 (e.g., 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Preferably the pan 110 is square. The pan 110 may further include first and second edges 118A, 118B extending parallel to a longitudinal direction 120 and third and fourth edges 118C, 118D extending parallel to a lateral direction 122. The longitudinal direction 120 may be defined perpendicular to the lateral direction 122. The first, second, third, and fourth edges 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D may be integrally formed from the metal sheet 112 and may extend perpendicularly relative to the planar upper surface 114. The first, second, third, and fourth edges 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D may help increase the rigidity of the pan 110. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the first, second, third, and fourth edges 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D at the four corners 116 are not connected, however, as illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the first, second, third, and fourth edges 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D may be connected at the four corners, for example by welding or the like.

The pan 110 may include a plurality of pan mounting holes, for example, a first pair of pan mounting holes 130, a second pair of pan mounting holes 132, and a third pair of pan mounting holes 134. The first pair of pan mounting holes 130 may be located in a central area 136 of the pan 110. Furthermore, first pair of pan mounting holes 130 may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 120 and may be equally spaced from the first and second edges 118A, 118B. The second pair of pan mounting holes 132 may be longitudinally offset from the central area 136 of the pan 110. Furthermore, the second pair of pan mounting holes 132 may be oriented parallel to the lateral direction 122 and may be positioned closer to the third edge 118C than to the fourth edge 118D. The third pair of pan mounting holes 134 may be longitudinally offset from the central area 136 of the pan 110 opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes 132. Furthermore, the third pair of pan mounting holes 134 may be oriented parallel to the lateral direction 122 and may be positioned closer to the fourth edge 118D than to the third edge 118C.

The foundation system 100 may further include at least one bracket 140. In certain embodiments, the at least one bracket 140 may be referred to herein as a plurality of like configured brackets 140. The at least one bracket 140 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 6 and 7. Each bracket of the at least one bracket 140 may include a plurality of bracket mounting holes, namely, a pair of bracket mounting holes 142 arranged in a bracket hole pattern 144.

Each bracket of the at least one bracket 140 may be a T-shaped bracket in plan view, as shown in FIG. 7. Each bracket of the at least one bracket 140 may include upwardly open long channel 150 and an upwardly open short channel 152. The upwardly open long channel 150 may extend in a first direction 154. The upwardly open short channel 152 may extend at a substantially right angle from a mid-portion 156 of the upwardly open long channel 150. The pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of the at least one bracket 140 may be spaced apart in the first direction 154 by a bracket hole spacing 146 along a bottom 158 of the upwardly open long channel 150.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first pair of pan mounting holes 130 may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 120 by a distance 138A equal to the bracket hole spacing 146. The second pair of pan mounting holes 132 may be spaced apart in the lateral direction 122 by a distance 138B equal to the bracket hole spacing 146. The third pair of pan mounting holes 134 may be spaced apart in the lateral direction 122 by a distance 138C equal to the bracket hole spacing 146. The distances 138A, 138B, 138C may also be referred to as a common pan mounting hole distance.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, the first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes 130, 132, 134 may be arranged to correspond to multiple orientations or configurations of the at least one bracket 140 and/or its mounting holes to provide at least a first orientation 160, a second orientation 162, and a third orientation 164. The first orientation 160 may also be referred to herein as a first configuration 160. The second orientation 162 may also be referred to herein as a second configuration 162. The third orientation 164 may also be referred to herein as a third configuration 164. In any of the first, second, and third orientations 160, 162, 164 the at least one bracket 140 may be configured to receive at least one strut 170 for supporting and/or stabilizing the manufactured building.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first orientation 160 may include the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of a first bracket 140A of the at least one bracket 140 being aligned with the first pair of pan mounting holes 130 in the central area 136 of the pan 110. The first bracket 140A may be oriented to receive first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B of the at least one strut 170. The first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may extend in the longitudinal direction 120 for connecting the pan 110 to the first beam 10A of the manufactured building. The first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may also be referred to herein as two longitudinal struts 172A, 172B. The first bracket 140A may further be oriented to receive a first lateral strut 174A of the at least one strut 170. The first lateral strut 174A may extend in the lateral direction 122 for connecting the pan 110 to the second beam 10B of the manufactured building. The first lateral strut 174A may also be referred to herein as one lateral strut 174A.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second orientation 162 may include the central area 136 of the pan 110 being clear to receive a block pier 106. The block pier 106 may be configured to extend upwardly to the first beam 10A of the manufactured building. The second orientation 162 may further include the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of the first bracket 140A being aligned with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes 132, 134. As illustrated, the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of the first bracket 140A are aligned with the third pair of pan mounting holes 134, however, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the first bracket 140A could alternatively be aligned with the second pair of pan mounting holes 132. The first bracket 140A is oriented to receive the first longitudinal strut 172A for connecting the pan 110 to the first beam 10A and the first lateral strut 174A for connecting the pan 110 to the second beam 10B. The first longitudinal strut 172A may also be referred to herein as one longitudinal strut 172A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the third orientation 164 may include the central area 136 of the pan 110 being clear to receive the block pier 106 which may be configured to extend upwardly to the first beam 10A. The third orientation 164 may further include the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of the first bracket 140A being aligned with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes 132, 134, however, as illustrated the first bracket 140A is aligned with the third pair of pan mounting holes 134. The third orientation 164 may further include the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of a second bracket 140B of the at least one bracket 140 being aligned with a different pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes 132, 134, however, as illustrated the second bracket 140B is aligned with the second pair of pan mounting holes 132. The first and second brackets 140A, 140B are oriented to each receive one of the first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B for connecting the pan 110 to the first beam 10A.

In the first orientation 160, the first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may be connected to the upwardly open long channel 150 of the first bracket 140A. In the second orientation 162, the first longitudinal strut 172A may be connected to the upwardly open short channel 152 of the first bracket 140A and the first lateral strut 174A may be connected to the upwardly open long channel 150 of the first bracket 140A. In the third orientation 164, each of the first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may be connected to the upwardly open short channel 152 of different ones of the first and second brackets 140A, 140B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C and 12A-12C, the first, second, third, and fourth edges 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D of the pan 110 may be upturned edges. As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C, the pan 110 may be coupled to the ground surface 102 using a plurality of spikes 180 configured to be received through spike receiving openings 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D (shown in FIG. 4) defined in the pan 110 in order to anchor the pan 110 longitudinally or laterally relative to the ground surface 102. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the first, second, third, and fourth edges 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D of the pan 110 may be downturned edges configured to be driven downward into the ground surface 102 to anchor the pan 110 longitudinally or laterally relative to the ground surface 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, in any of the first, second, or third orientations 160, 162, 164, the first and/or second brackets 140A, 140B may be mounted directly to a concrete foundation 104 overlying the ground surface 102 using lag bolts 184. The concrete foundation 104 may also be referred to herein as a concrete pad 104. The pans 110 are not used when attaching the brackets to a concrete pad.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-11C, in any of the first, second, or third orientations 160, 162, 164, the first and/or second brackets 140A, 140B may be mounted to the pan 110 using bolts 186 configured to extend through aligned bracket mounting holes and pan mounting holes. The bolts 186 may include at least a bolt, a washer, and a nut.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3A, each of the first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may include a longitudinal strut upper connector 190. The longitudinal strut upper connector 190 may also be referred to as an upper end connector 190 or a longitudinal strut clamp 190. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the longitudinal strut upper connector 190 may include a base plate 192 with a channel 194 extending downward therefrom for connecting to the upper end of each of the first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B. The base plate 192 includes a plurality of pairs of connector holes 196. Each pair of connector holes may be aligned in the longitudinal direction 120 with different pairs spaced apart in the lateral direction 122. The longitudinal strut upper connector 190 may further include first and second clamp plates 198A, 198B which may be bolted to selected pairs of the plurality of pairs of connector holes 196 depending on a beam width of each of the at least one beam 10 of the manufactured housing (e.g., beams widths of 3-inches, 4 inches, or the like). For example, the first lower flange portion 16A of the at least one beam 10 (e.g., the first beam 10A) may be sandwiched between the base plate 192 and the first clamp plate 198A of the longitudinal strut upper connector 190. Likewise, the second lower flange portion 16B of the at least one beam 10 (e.g., the first beam 10A) may be sandwiched between the base plate 192 and the second clamp plate 198B of the longitudinal strut upper connector 190.

In other optional embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, each of the first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may include a longitudinal strut upper connector 210 configured to engage the first and second lower flange portions 16A, 16B of the at least one beam 10, for example, the first beam 10A. The longitudinal strut upper connector 210 may also be referred to as an upper end connector 210 or a longitudinal strut clamp 210. The longitudinal strut upper connector 210 may include first and second clamping members 212, 214. The first and second clamping members 212, 214 may be formed by U-shaped steel, bent from sheet metal, or the like. Each of the first and second clamping members 212, 214 may include a channel 216A, 216B, respectively, for receiving the first and second lower flange portions 16A, 16B of the first beam 10A. The first and second clamping members 212, 214 may be configured to simultaneously clamp on to the first beam 10A and attach to the upper end of the first or second longitudinal strut 172A, 172B using a bolt extending through transverse openings of each of the first and second clamping members 212, 214 and transverse openings of one of the upper ends of the first or second longitudinal strut 172A, 172B.

The first and second longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may be configured to support the first beam 10A and prevent the first beam 10A from moving in the longitudinal direction 120.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3A, the first lateral strut 174A may include a lateral strut upper connector 220 configured to be coupled the first lateral strut 174A to the at least one beam 10, for example, the second beam 10B, of the manufactured building. The lateral strut upper connector 220 may also be referred to as an upper end connector 220 or a lateral strut clamp 220. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the lateral strut upper connector 220 may include a base plate 222 with a channel 224 extending downward therefrom for connecting to the upper end of the first lateral strut 174A. The lateral strut upper connector 220 may further include a J-shaped connector portion 226 couplable to the base plate 222. The J-shaped connector portion 226 may include a hooked end portion 228A and a straight end portion 228B. The hooked end portion 228A may be configured to receive one of the first or second upper flange portions 14A, 14B of the second beam 10B. The other one of the first or second upper flange portions 14A, 14B of the second beam 10B may be clamped between the straight end portion 228B of the J-shaped connector portion 226 and the base plate 222 using the bolt. The straight end portion 228B may include at least two holes spaced in the lateral direction 122, each of the two holes may receive the bolt depending upon a width of the second beam 10B such that both the hooked end portion 228A and the base plate 222 are able to engage the second beam 10B. The second beam 10B may, for example, be a 3-inch wide beam, a 4-inch wide beam, or the like.

In other optional embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the first lateral strut 174A may include a lateral strut upper connector 230 configured to engage the first and second lower flange portions 16A, 16B of the at least one beam 10, for example, the second beam 10B. The lateral strut upper connector 230 may also be referred to as an upper end connector 230 or a lateral strut clamp 230. The upper end of the first lateral strut 174A may be crimped flat or include a flat extension welded thereto to define a flat portion 232 of the lateral strut upper connector 230. The lateral strut upper connector 230 may further include the J-shaped connector portion 226 of the lateral strut upper connector 220.

The lateral strut 174A may be configured to prevent the second beam 10B from moving in the lateral direction 122.

A method of installing the foundation system is further disclosed herein. The method may comprise step (a) providing at least one bracket 140. Each bracket of the at least one bracket 140 may include a pair of bracket mounting holes 142. The method may comprise step (b) providing a pan 110 configured to engage the ground surface 102. The pan 110 may include first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes 130, 132, 134 arranged to correspond to multiple orientations of the at least one bracket 140, namely, at least a first orientation 160, a second orientation 162, and a third orientation 164. The method may comprise step (c) aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of a first bracket 140A of the at least one bracket 140 with corresponding holes of one of the first, second, or third pairs of pan mounting holes 130, 132, 134. Finally, the method may comprise step (d) coupling the first bracket 140A to the pan 110.

In certain optional embodiments, step (c) of the method may include aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of the first bracket 140A with the first pair of pan mounting holes 130 in a central area 136 of the pan 110. In accordance with this embodiment, the method may include coupling two longitudinal struts 172A, 172B to the first bracket 140A. The two longitudinal struts 172A, 172B may extend in a longitudinal direction 120 for connecting the pan 110 to a first beam 10A of the manufactured building. The method may further include coupling one lateral strut 174A to the first bracket 140A. The one lateral strut 174A may extend in a lateral direction 122 transverse to the longitudinal direction 120 for connecting the pan 110 to a second beam 10B of the manufactured building.

In other optional embodiments, step (c) of the method may include aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of the first bracket 140A with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes 132, 134 longitudinally offset from a central area 136 of the pan 110. In accordance with this embodiment, the method may include coupling one longitudinal strut 172A to the first bracket 140A. The one longitudinal strut 172A may extend in a longitudinal direction 120 for connecting the pan 110 to a first beam 10A of the manufactured building. The method may further include coupling one lateral strut 174A to the first bracket 140A. The one lateral strut 174A may extend in a lateral direction 122 transverse to the longitudinal direction 120 for connecting the pan 110 to a second beam 10B of the manufactured building.

In accordance with the aforementioned embodiment, the method may further include receiving a block pier 106 on the central area 136 of the pan 110. The block pier 106 may be configured to extend upwardly to the first beam 10A.

In still further optional embodiments, step (c) of the method may include aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of the first bracket 140A with the second pair of pan mounting holes 132 longitudinally offset from a central area 136 of the pan 110, and aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes 142 of a second bracket 140B of the at least one bracket 140 with the third pair of pan mounting holes 134 longitudinally offset from the central area 136 of the pan 110 opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes 132. In accordance with this embodiment, the method may include coupling a first longitudinal strut 172A to the first bracket 140A. The first longitudinal strut 172A may extend in a longitudinal direction 120 for connecting the pan 110 to a first beam 10A of the manufactured building. The method may further include coupling a second longitudinal strut 172B to the second bracket 140B. The second longitudinal strut 172B may extend in the longitudinal direction 120 for connecting the pan 110 to the first beam 10A.

In accordance with the aforementioned embodiment, the method may further include receiving a block pier 106 on the central area 136 of the pan 110. The block pier 106 may be configured to extend upwardly to the first beam 10A.

The method may further comprise positioning the pan 110 on a ground surface 102 with edges 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D of the pan 110 driven into the ground surface 102 to anchor the pan 110 longitudinally and laterally relative to the ground surface 102.

Thus, it is seen that the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure readily achieve the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described for present purposes, numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and steps may be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Each disclosed feature or embodiment may be combined with any of the other disclosed features or embodiments. 

What is claimed is: 1: A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, comprising: a plurality of like configured brackets, each bracket including a plurality of bracket mounting holes arranged in a bracket hole pattern; and a pan configured to engage the ground surface, the pan including a plurality of pan mounting holes arranged to correspond to multiple orientations of the bracket mounting holes of the brackets to provide at least: a first orientation wherein one bracket is mounted in a central area and oriented to receive two longitudinal struts extending in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam and one lateral strut extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam; a second orientation wherein the central area of the pan is clear to receive a block pier and one bracket is mounted longitudinally offset from the central area and oriented to receive one longitudinal strut for connecting the pan to the first beam and one lateral strut for connecting the pan to the second beam; and a third orientation wherein the central area of the pan is clear to receive the block pier and two brackets are mounted longitudinally offset on opposite sides of the central area and oriented to each receive one of two longitudinal struts for connecting the pan to the first beam. 2: The foundation system of claim 1, wherein: each of the brackets is a T-shaped bracket in plan view including an upwardly open long channel extending in a first direction and an upwardly open short channel extending at substantially a right angle from a mid-portion of the upwardly open long channel; and the bracket hole pattern includes two bracket mounting holes spaced apart in the first direction by a bracket hole spacing along a bottom of the upwardly open long channel. 3: The foundation system of claim 2, wherein: the pan is rectangular in plan shape and includes first and second edges extending in the longitudinal direction and third and fourth edges extending in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and the plurality of pan mounting holes includes: a first pair of pan mounting holes for mounting one bracket in the first orientation, the first pair of pan mounting holes being located within the central area and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing; a second pair of pan mounting holes for mounting one bracket in the second orientation, the second pair of pan mounting holes being located in one longitudinal direction outside of the central area, the second pair of pan mounting holes being spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing; and a third pair of pan mounting holes for mounting a second bracket in the third orientation, the third pair of pan mounting holes being located outside of the central area longitudinally opposite from the second pair of pan mounting holes, the third pair of pan mounting holes being spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing. 4: The foundation system of claim 3, wherein: in the first orientation the two longitudinal struts are connected to the long channel. 5: The foundation system of claim 3, wherein: in the second orientation the one longitudinal strut is connected to the short channel. 6: The foundation system of claim 3, wherein: in the third orientation the two longitudinal struts are each connected to the short channel of different ones of the two respective brackets. 7: The foundation system of claim 3, wherein: the first, second, third and fourth edges of the pan are downturned edges, the downturned edges being configured to be driven downward into the ground surface to anchor the pan longitudinally and laterally relative to the ground surface; and in any of the first, second and third orientations the brackets are bolted to the pan with bolts extending through aligned bracket mounting holes and pan mounting holes. 8: The foundation system of claim 3, wherein: the first, second, third and fourth edges of the pan are upturned edges; the pan includes a plurality of spike receiving openings configured to receive a plurality of spikes to anchor the pan longitudinally and laterally relative to the ground surface; and in any of the first, second and third orientations the brackets are bolted to the pan with bolts extending through aligned bracket mounting holes and pan mounting holes. 9: A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, comprising: at least one bracket, each bracket of the at least one bracket including a pair of bracket mounting holes; and a pan configured to engage the ground surface, the pan including first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes arranged to correspond to multiple configurations of the at least one bracket to provide at least: a first configuration wherein the pair of bracket mounting holes of a first bracket of the at least one bracket are aligned with the first pair of pan mounting holes in a central area of the pan, the first bracket being oriented to receive two longitudinal struts extending in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building and further to receive one lateral strut extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam of the manufactured building; a second configuration wherein the central area of the pan is clear to receive a block pier configured to extend upwardly to the first beam and the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket are aligned with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area, the first bracket oriented to receive one longitudinal strut for connecting the pan to the first beam and one lateral strut for connecting the pan to the second beam; and a third configuration wherein the central area of the pan is clear to receive the block pier, the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket are aligned with the second pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area, and the pair of bracket mounting holes of a second bracket of the at least one bracket are aligned with the third pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes, the first and second brackets oriented to each receive one of two longitudinal struts for connecting the pan to the first beam. 10: The foundation system of claim 9, wherein: the pan is rectangular in plan shape and includes first and second edges extending in the longitudinal direction and third and fourth edges extending in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the first pair of pan mounting holes are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction and equally spaced from the first and second edges; the second pair of pan mounting holes are oriented parallel to the lateral direction and positioned closer to third edge than to the fourth edge; and the third pair of pan mounting holes are oriented parallel to the lateral direction and positioned closer to the fourth edge than to the third edge. 11: The foundation system of claim 10, wherein: the first, second, third and fourth edges of the pan are either downturned edges or upturned edges, the downturned edges configured to be driven downward into the ground surface to anchor the pan longitudinally and laterally relative to the ground surface; and in any of the first, second and third configurations the at least one bracket is bolted to the pan with bolts extending through the pair of bracket mounting holes when aligned with one of the one of the first, second, or third pairs of pan mounting holes. 12: The foundation system of claim 9, wherein: the at least one bracket is a T-shaped bracket in plan view including an upwardly open long channel extending in a first direction and an upwardly open short channel extending at substantially a right angle from a mid-portion of the upwardly open long channel; and the pair of bracket mounting holes of the at least one bracket are spaced apart in the first direction by a bracket hole spacing along a bottom of the upwardly open long channel. 13: The foundation system of claim 12, wherein: the first pair of pan mounting holes are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing; the second pair of pan mounting holes are spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing; and the third pair of pan mounting holes are spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the bracket hole spacing. 14: The foundation system of claim 12, wherein: in the first configuration the two longitudinal struts are connected to the upwardly open long channel of the first bracket; in the second configuration the one longitudinal strut is connected to the upwardly open short channel of the first bracket and the one lateral strut is connected to the upwardly open long channel of the first bracket; and in the third configuration the two longitudinal struts are each connected to the upwardly open short channel of different ones of the first and second brackets. 15: A method of installing a foundation system for supporting a manufactured building from a ground surface, the method comprising: (a) providing at least one bracket, each bracket of the at least one bracket including a pair of bracket mounting holes; (b) providing a pan configured to engage the ground surface, the pan including first, second, and third pairs of pan mounting holes arranged to correspond to multiple orientations of the at least one bracket; (c) aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of a first bracket of the at least one bracket with corresponding holes of one of the first, second, or third pairs of pan mounting holes; and (d) coupling the first bracket to the pan. 16: The method of claim 15, wherein: step (c) includes aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket with the first pair of pan mounting holes in a central area of the pan; and the method further includes: coupling two longitudinal struts to the first bracket, the two longitudinal struts extending in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building; and coupling one lateral strut to the first bracket, the one lateral strut extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam of the manufactured building.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein: step (c) includes aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket with one pair of the second or third pairs of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from a central area of the pan; and the method further includes: coupling one longitudinal strut to the first bracket, the one longitudinal strut extending in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building; and coupling one lateral strut to the first bracket, the one lateral strut extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a second beam of the manufactured building.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving a block pier on the central area of the pan, the block pier configured to extend upwardly to the first beam.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein: step (c) includes: aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of the first bracket with the second pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from a central area of the pan; aligning the pair of bracket mounting holes of a second bracket of the at least one bracket with the third pair of pan mounting holes longitudinally offset from the central area of the pan opposite the second pair of pan mounting holes; and the method further includes: coupling a first longitudinal strut to the first bracket, the first longitudinal strut extending in a longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to a first beam of the manufactured building; and coupling a second longitudinal strut to the second bracket, the second longitudinal strut extending in the longitudinal direction for connecting the pan to the first beam.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: receiving a block pier on the central area of the pan, the block pier configured to extend upwardly to the first beam. 